ADAM HINSHELWOOD explained why Dan Batty was not involved for York City in Saturday’s 3-0 win over AFC Fylde.

The midfielder has been a crucial member of the York squad so far this season, having not missed a minute of football prior to the win versus Fylde on Saturday.

Alex Hunt, Ricky Aguiar and Marvin Armstrong lined up as the midfield three instead, with the latter opening the scoring in the 50th minute from close-range.

Substitutes Lenell John-Lewis and Callum Harriott both added to that tally, securing a comfortable victory against ten-men Fylde, as well as sending City to the top of the Vanarama National League table.

Hinshelwood confirmed that Batty’s absence was due to a back spasm that he suffered in training on Friday, and reassured supporters that the midfielder would likely be back available for next Saturday’s visit to Aldershot Town (3pm).

“It happened yesterday [Friday] in training, he was doing a bit of work, jumped up for a header and it’s just locked on him.

“Dan was finding a bit of form and we’re disappointed that he missed out today, but it’s the squad that is going to be needed.

“Ricky and Hunty did well together, they’re two young lads that like to play similar and get on the ball, so you wonder how that’s going to go.

“I thought they dealt with that brilliantly.

“We were missing a real big player in Dan, but the lads that have come in have done brilliant.

“A nice positive there, I don’t think it’ll be too bad but it loosens up with a back spasm.

“I don’t think it’s anything too sinister and we’re hopeful that he will be fine for next weekend.”

Hinshelwood also confirmed that it is an issue that Batty has struggled with in the past, and that the medical staff would be reviewing how to prevent it from happening again.

“He said he’s had it before, so it’s something to look at.

“The journey time and stuff, he meets Callum Howe and Ryan Fallowfield and they all travel in together, so they might have to get a massage chair in for him to get him sorted.

“We’re hoping it’s nothing too similar and that he can overcome it for next week.”